Desktop Publisher

What is this job like?		Back to Top

Using computer software, these workers combine printed material, numbers, pictures, and charts to prepare publications. They also write and correct text. They make graphics to go with the text. They change pictures and drawings into digital pictures and then use them. They design page layouts and develop presentations. Some things produced by desktop publishers include books, business cards, calendars, magazines, newsletters, and newspapers. They prepare some material for the Internet.

Desktop publishers often perform editing and writing tasks as well as page layout and design. For page layouts, they use scanners to capture photographs, art as digital data, or other images. Images can be added directly into electronic page layouts with the use of computer software. Desktop publishers can then correct mistakes. Most page layout work is now done with computers.

Depending on the company employing these workers, they may be called publications specialists, electronic publishers, DTP operators, or desktop-publishing editors. They may also have job titles like electronic prepress technician, electronic-publishing specialist, image designer, typographer, compositor, layout artist, or web publications designer.

They spend many hours in front of a computer monitor. They usually work an 8-hour day, 5 days a week. Desktop publishers may have to work under short deadlines. Some work nights, weekends, and holidays to meet these deadlines.

How do you get ready?		Back to Top

Most workers take classes or complete certificate courses at vocational schools, colleges, or through the Internet. The average certificate program takes about 1 year. Some train on the job to learn the needed skills. The length of on-the-job training varies by company. A part-time job is another way to gain skill.

Students may obtain an associate degree in applied science or a bachelor's degree in graphic arts, graphic communications, or graphic design. Courses in these fields give students experience using the computer programs that desktop publishers need to know.

Although formal training is not always needed, those with certificates or degrees will have the best job opportunities. Most employers want people who have good speaking skills and basic computer skills. They should be able to deal with people because they may have to take customers' orders. It is also good to have some artistic ability.

Workers with limited training and skill may start as helpers. All workers should expect to be retrained from time to time to learn about new software and equipment.

How much does this job pay?		Back to Top

Earnings vary by level of skill, training, location, and size of firm. The middle half earned between $26,270 and $44,360 in 2006. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $20,550, and the highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $55,040.

How many jobs are there?		Back to Top

Desktop publishers held about 32,000 jobs in 2006. Many worked in newspaper, magazine, and book publishing firms.

Jobs are located in all areas of the country, especially in big cities.

What about the future?		Back to Top

Little or no change in employment of desktop publishers is expected through 2016. More workers in other occupations are learning to do desktop publishing, so there is less need for actual desktop publishers.

Are there other jobs like this?		Back to Top

• Artists
• Designers
• Editors
• Prepress technicians and workers
• Public relations specialists
• Reporters
• Writers

Where can you find more information?		Back to Top

More BLS information about desktop publishers can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. The Handbook also shows where to find out even more about this job.

Last Modified Date: April 29, 2008